The facts
What rainbow Moonstone actually is
The species behind rainbow Moonstone is labradorite (plagioclase feldspar), (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈; it forms in the triclinic system.
Blue and multicoloured schiller from interference in exsolution lamellae — this is labradorescence, not true adularescence is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.559–1.568 and a specific gravity of about 2.68–2.72, with perfect {001}, good {010} cleavage.
Where rainbow Moonstone comes from
Commercial material comes from Bihar, India and Madagascar.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How rainbow Moonstone is treated
Untreated. Despite the name it is a colourless labradorite, not a true orthoclase moonstone — its higher RI and SG separate the two, which matters when a stone is sold at moonstone prices.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What rainbow Moonstone is confused with
Watch for True orthoclase moonstone, Labradorite and Opalescent glass — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.559–1.568 and specific gravity 2.68–2.72 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rainbow Moonstone is used for
The trades that buy rainbow Moonstone are jewellery, mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage perfect {001}, good {010}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What rainbow Moonstone costs
Expect roughly $2–40/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is rainbow Moonstone treated, and how?
Untreated. Despite the name it is a colourless labradorite, not a true orthoclase moonstone — its higher RI and SG separate the two, which matters when a stone is sold at moonstone prices.
Where does rainbow Moonstone come from?
Bihar, India and Madagascar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rainbow Moonstone hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {001}, good {010} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does rainbow Moonstone cost?
Indicatively $2–40/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is rainbow Moonstone confused with?
Most often True orthoclase moonstone, Labradorite and Opalescent glass. A refractive index of 1.559–1.568 and a specific gravity near 2.68–2.72 separate it quickly.
What is rainbow Moonstone used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for rainbow moonstone?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about rainbow moonstone